Happy Holidays! We hope that all of our friends have a healthy and happy holiday season and new year. In the past, when I was a private attorney, I used to always hope that I would never see the same client twice, as seeing an attorney is usually when something bad may occur. However, at Disability Independence Group, we also have the opportunity to advance rights and opportunities without litigation, but instead by education, legislation and cooperation. So if you have a question, please feel free to write or call. We are here for you.

Thank you to everyone that supported us on Give Miami Day 2014. We were able to raise $5,479.67 from 24 different donors and the bonus pool. We used some of the money to buy balloons and music for our 2nd Annual Balloons & Tunes Party at Broward Children's Center. We were also able to buy a binding machine and a lamination machine for our wallet card project. We will now be able to laminate the wallet cards in our office.

Tis the season! It's hard to believe that an entire year has gone by yet once again. Festive parties, cookie exchanges, twinkling lights, gently falling snow (depending on where you live...ours doesn't generally "gently fall"-it usually buries us overnight), time spent with family, shopping (way too much shopping), more shopping, wrapping and for a lot of families the traditional trek to the mall to wait in ridiculously long lines to have their little ones see "Santa". (click here to read more)

On December 19, 2014, Disability Independence Group celebrated the holidays with the infants, children, young adults, and employees at Broward Children's Center for its 2nd Annual Balloons & Tunes Holiday Party. It was a fun-filled day with DIG playing with the residents and giving each resident a balloon, with balloon options ranging from Disney princesses to snowflakes to Marvel superheroes, a DVD, with choices ranging from Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Superman to My Little Pony, and stickers. The 2nd Annual Balloons & Tunes Holiday Party was an unforgettable day and allowed DIG to make a difference in the lives of the infants, children, and young adults we serve by celebrating the holidays with them and spreading holiday cheer at Broward Children's Center.

Miami Dade County created a one-stop center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in 2008. It is centrally located at 2400 S. Dixie Hwy. It is called the CVAC, which stands for Coordinated Victims Assistance Center. There are over 30 organizations ranging from Dade Legal Aid for legal advice to The Millennials, a group of young men dedicated to eradicating family violence. They are open Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. You can obtain a temporary restraining order for your protection there, as well as services for you and your children. Since Miami Dade is a huge community, there are four other sites where you can get a court order of protection.(click here to read more)

There is HELP out there... you do not have to be alone and fearful. If you need assistance, call or visit the CVAC. The phone number is: 305 285-5900. They are there for you. If you have any questions, email me at sharon@justdigit.org.

On Friday, December 19, 2014, President Obama signed the ABLE Act int law. This law will allow eligible people with disabilities to have 529-style savings accounts to pay for disability related expenses. To be eligible, the person must have a qualifying disability by the age of 26, the maximum contribution is $14,000 per year to a total of $100,000 at any time. Once detailed regulations are available, we will provide additional updates.

With the year 2015 right around the corner, I thought it would be nice to address the journey that was 2014 and what's ahead. 2014 was a big year for moving the needle on issues critical to the disability rights movement. In addition to various disability-specific laws passed and/or reauthorized, and States begin to pursue state-specific resolution(s) to the issues confronting our community. Most importantly, however, the United States Congress finally passed, and the President signed into law, the ABLE Act. The ABLE Act is a strong attempt to at least begin to address the financial disincentives to having a disability and being independent and/or gainfully employed. (click here to read more)

Thank you to Chris and Alain Arroyo for inviting us to Unity on the Bay on Sunday, November 30, 2014.

In a nutshell, Your Upward Journey: It Is Easier Than You Think!, is a three-part project (book, self-help seminars and merchandise sale). I intend to promote the book through self-help seminars and sale of merchandise, such as mugs, journals etc.

Disability Independence Group vindicates the constitutional rights for a mother with a disability who lost her child to governmental abuse.

In 2011, the State of Florida removed a child, Marie Freyre with a severe disability from her mother Doris Freyre's care because of Ms. Freyre's need for additional assistance to care for her child due to her own disability. Doris Freyre has a back injury consisting of six herniated disks from a car accident and because she suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome. For fourteen years, Ms. Freyre cared for Marie in her home with additional supports and caregivers that were provided to Marie by virtue of a Medicaid Waiver. (click here to read more)

Not pictured: Aaron Bates & Erynn O'Brien

DIG would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season and a very Happy New Year!!!

see you in 2015!

For more information about DIG and to find out how you can be involved, please call or email our executive director, Debbie Dietz at 305-669-2822 ordebbie@justdigit.org.